Abstract: A rubber latex composition is disclosed having reduced allergenicity. Methods for producing a rubber latex composition having reduced allergenicity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of modifying natural rubber latex and products manufactured from same. In an embodiment, an inflatable latex balloon comprises an aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope. In an embodiment, the aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope is substantially free of non-rubber impurities. In an embodiment, the aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope of the balloon, being substantially free of non-rubber impurities, results in tighter rubber particle integration and improved gas retention capabilities. In an embodiment, the aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex envelope, being substantially free of non-rubber impurities, results in a more stable, cleaner latex requiring less compounding additives for production. In addition, the present disclosure relates to an extruded rubber thread comprising an aluminum hydroxide-modified natural rubber latex.

Abstract: A hot alkaline liquid soluble or dispersable composition made from a first polymer of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a methacrylic acid portion, or a mixture thereof, where the acrylic acid portion and the methacrylic acid portion each, independently, comprise from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total copolymer weight and also including an Ionomer-type copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, a methacrylic acid portion, or a combination thereof, comprising from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total Ionomer copolymer weight. Methods of making articles from such compositions. Methods of disposal of such compositions in hot liquid and alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A method of absorbing oil or wax by contacting the oil or wax with a non-woven, woven, or knitted fabric prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol fiber. A method of recovering oil or wax contained in such a fabric using water and at a rate surprisingly faster than the rate of oil or wax recovery from cotton. A method of absorbing oil or wax from a mixture of oil or wax and sand by contacting the mixture with a fabric made from polyvinyl alcohol. Method of disposing of such fabrics which have been soiled or saturated with the oil or wax. The method is also applicable to other hydrocarbons such as aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: A method of reducing allergenicity of latex rubber products such as latex rubber gloves. The latex rubber product is treated with first bath of an alkane hydrocarbon followed by a protein substituting material in the form of a synthetic plasticizer. A final wash is carried out using an alkaline or oxidative wash to remove surface and interstice dwelling protein.

Abstract: A process of activated cracking of high molecular organic waste material which includes confining the organic waste material in a reactor space as a mixture with a pulverized electrically conducting material (sensitizer) and/or catalysts and/or “upgrading agents” and treating this mixture by microwave or radio frequency electro-magnetic radiation. Organic waste materials include hydrocarbons or their derivatives, polymers or plastic materials and shredded rubber. The shredded rubber can be the source of the sensitizer and/or catalyst material as it is rich in carbon and other metallic species. This sensitizer can also consist of pulverized coke or pyrolytically carbonized organic feedstock and/or highly dispersed metals and/or other inorganic materials with high dielectric loss which absorb microwave or radio frequency energy.

Abstract: A hot alkaline liquid soluble or dispersable composition made from a first polymer of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a methacrylic acid portion, or a mixture thereof, where the acrylic acid portion and the methacrylic acid portion each, independently, comprise from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total copolymer weight and also including an Ionomer-type copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, a methacrylic acid portion, or a combination thereof, comprising from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total Ionomer copolymer weight. Methods of making articles from such compositions. Methods of disposal of such compositions in hot liquid and alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A method of absorbing oil or wax by contacting the oil or wax with a nonwoven or woven fabric prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol fiber. A method of recovering oil or wax contained in such a fabric using water and at a rate surprisingly faster than the rate of oil or wax recovery from cotton. A method of absorbing oil or wax from a mixture of oil or wax and sand by contacting the mixture with a fabric made from polyvinyl alcohol. Method of disposing of such fabrics which have been soiled or saturated with the oil or wax. The method is also applicable to other hydrocarbons such as aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: A method and treatment composition for neutralizing formaldehdye. The treatment composition contains polyethylenimine, urea and an acid having a pH of less than 6. Treatment of formaldehyde solutions with the treatment composition results in a suspension that it easily disposable and non-toxic.

Abstract: A method for containing potentially infectious devices. The potentially infectious devices are deposited in a container which contains a monomer, a reducing agent and water. An oxidizing agent is later added to cause polymerization of the monomer to immobilize the devices, and to act as a disinfecting agent due in large part to the exothermic nature of the reaction. In an alternate embodiment, the composition contains a monomer, a thickener and water. Before use, this solution is admixed with an oxidizing and reducing agent and the thickened solution is poured into a container having disposed therein potentially infectious devices. Related methods, kits, devices, and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mop head made from a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C., where the fibers are formed into a mop head. A disposable cleaning rag made from at least one layer of a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C., wherein the fibers are formed into a disposable cleaning rag.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the absorbency, hand-feel, or both of an article made from fibers having a spin finish thereon, where the spin finish decreases the hand-feel desirability and decreases the absorbency of the article. The method involves subjecting the article to corona treatment for a period of time sufficient to enhance the absorbency, hand-feel, or both of the article. The article produced by subjecting a substrate made of fibers having a finish thereon to corona treatment for a period of time sufficient to enhance the absorbency, hand-feel, or both of the substrate. A method of disposing of such articles by contacting the articles with a hot liquid, such as water, for a period of time sufficient to disperse or dissolve the article. Hot water soluble, cold water insoluble poly(vinyl) alcohol is one suitable fiber material.

Abstract: An article made from a fabric layer permeable to a first liquid such as water, blood or urine. The article has one side that repels the liquid and another side which absorbs the liquid. The article can be disposed of by heating in a selected liquid, which dissolves or disperses the article. The article may also have a plastic layer affixed thereto to provide additional impermeability. Two of the fabric layers may be affixed with the impermeable sides facing each other to provide an article capable of absorbing fluids from both sides, yet preventing fluids from penetrating from one side to the other. An optional plastic layer may be juxtaposed between the facing sides to provide a further fluid barrier. A method of disposing of such articles comprising contacting the articles with a sufficiently hot second liquid for a sufficient period of time to disperse or dissolve substantially the articles.

Abstract: A towel, sponge and gauze made from a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers have a degree of hydrolysis of at least 80% with a degree of polymerization between approximately 300 to 3000.

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: A mop head made from a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C., where the fibers are formed into a mop head. A disposable cleaning rag made from at least one layer of a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C., wherein the fibers are formed into a disposable cleaning rag.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of a hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon is intimately mixed with an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution includes a hydrophilic monomer, a cross-linking agent and an emulsifier. The emulsion is then solidified for disposal through the addition of reduction/oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A method of forming a useful molded part or film of polyvinyl alcohol. The polyvinyl alcohol, together with a plasticizer is injection or blow molded to form the useful molded part or melt processed (blown or cast extrusion) to form the film wherein upon forming the useful molded part or film, the plasticizer is substantially removed to create the useful molded part or film which is selectively hot water soluble and which is resistant to the affects of moisture below the solubility temperature.

Abstract: A method of disposing of utensils after use. The utensils are provided as molded, formed or extruded articles which are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C. After use, the utensils are subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve them whereupon the water and dissolved articles are subjected to sewer disposal.